Technical Operator

Position Overview

• Positions: 1 (full time)
• Experience: 3–8 years
• Department: Coating – Operations
• Reports to: Shift Supervisor
• FLSA status: Non-exempt
• Pay grade: Level 5

Job Summary

The operator preheats pipes before blasting and blasts them with the appropriate media to create a rough surface for good coating adhesion. The work begins with pipe preheating and ends with removal of the blasting plug before the blowout operation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may change to meet company needs and business requirements.

External Blast Machine Operator

• Carry out pipe preheating and blasting operations safely and efficiently, following work instructions and job safety analyses.
• Ensure all blasting-line conveyor rollers are working and in good condition.
• Complete work in a timely manner to support production and prevent the coating line from stopping.
• Wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) specified in the job safety analysis (JSA) and required for the work.
• Remain in the blasting operating booth whenever preheating or blasting operations are in progress.
• Follow work instructions for the correct sequence when starting and shutting down the blasting machine.
• Keep the preheating oven, blasting machines, and bag filters in good working condition.
• Replenish the appropriate blasting material at regular intervals and record its consumption.
• Set up the blast conveyor line and the preheating oven and blaster machine parameters to achieve the results specified in the process sheets.
• Ensure calibrated instruments and dial gauges needed to operate the preheating oven and blaster machines are available.
• Keep people clear of the pipe movement path and check that the surrounding area is safe before moving any pipe.
• Report wear or damage to the blasting machine or conveyor rollers, and any breakdown or malfunction in material-handling equipment, to the shift supervisor.
• Maintain good housekeeping in the work area.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when maintenance work is being performed in the area.
• Communicate with relevant workstations to maintain productivity.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Guide the assistant blast operator in meeting the requirements for operating the blasting machine.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Required Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret general instructions, written information, and safety rules.
• Safety and security: Use equipment and materials properly and follow safe work practices.
• Attendance and punctuality: Be consistently at work and on time.
• Dependability: Follow instructions and respond to management direction.
• Professionalism: Treat others with respect and consideration, regardless of their status or position.

Required Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Diploma or high school graduate, with 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• A suitable combination of education and experience may be considered for an outstanding candidate with demonstrated excellence on the job.
• At least 6 months of experience as an assistant blast operator.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and understand simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence and report information effectively.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to count and perform basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to use common-sense understanding to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions.
• Ability to solve problems and operate panels promptly.

Computer Skills

• Ability to operate and understand touch-panel screens.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• N/A

Other Skills and Abilities

• Forklift-driving ability is an added advantage.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The employee is often required to stand, walk, bend, move pipe with an “F” bar, climb stairs, and use their hands and fingers to handle, operate, or feel. The employee must often lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Required vision abilities include depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The employee is often exposed to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, risk of electric shock, and ambient and above-ambient temperatures. The noise level is usually loud.